“Real accountability is slower.

There are disclosures, court orders, sworn statements, and very unglamorous spreadsheets.”

“I’ve always liked spreadsheets.”

“Good.

You may be the first client who’s ever said that.”

I laughed for the first time in days.

Elise explained that our jointly titled house, Mark’s shares, retirement accounts, and marital obligations would each require proper treatment.

She wouldn’t promise me a court would give me everything I wanted.